Grey Cube Gallery proudly presents the third Black & White online art show for the month of March 2023. The show encompassed a range of artistic styles and mediums (oil on canvas, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, charcoal, ink, collage, photography, digital). Each submission has been judged based on the following elements of artistic expression: orginality and quality of art, overall design, creativity, interpretation of the theme, demonstration of artistic ability and usage of medium. Out of all entries, 117 artworks were shortlisted for inclusion in the show. The competition attracted entries from many countries across the world: USA, Canada, Ukraine, Poland, Australia, Austria, Taiwan, Serbia, Germany, Italy, South Africa, China, Spain, Netherlands and New Zealand. Enjoy the show and thank you for expressing an interest in our competition.

Many of the world’s marvels go unseen, whether due to the flow of time or being beyond our perception. Steve Stratis’ work centers around bypassing these limitations - giving the viewer a glimpse of how matter frozen in time and invisible phenomena may appear. Stratis fuses digital techniques such as 3D sculpting and VFX (visual effects) to apply a stylistic spin, resulting in a unique abstract-centric aesthetic. Steve aims to inspire a greater interest in physics and further appreciation for the many powers that shape our world.

Cher Pruys, ASAA SCA, IGOR, AAPL, CSAA, AMS, LMS, OSA, MAA, CFA, NOAPS, PSOA, AWA.. "To take my inner visions with my hands and create a work of art for you the viewer .... That is the ultimate in self expression." Unlike many contemporary artists who choose to repeat themselves in subject matter, I find a strong desire to continuously change my subjects. I try to find excitement, beauty and interest in the everyday things in life. Working in black and white is a wonderful way for an artist to concentrate on composition, value, lighting and form which is crucial if one wants to create a piece that commands attention!

It has been said that “the eyes are the windows to the soul,” and I have found this to be true. Not only in people, but also in animals - most especially in the great apes. My series “Almost Human” explores the eyes and expressions of these magnificent creatures, looking for the souls in our most closely-related counterparts. Chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans are so much like us that if you spend a little time with them, you can almost tell what they are feeling. Some are young and playful, some are old and wise, and some are shy and do not want to be bothered. They all have very different personalities and spirits. I want to show the heart of these beautiful animals so more people can find a deeper understanding and affection for them, and learn more about the conservation efforts in place to help them. What a better world it would be for man and apes alike.

Steve Hammond is an emerging scratchboard artist, who considers his work an expression of life. When he selects an image for scratchboard, it’s all about the light. It’s amazing how just a handful of highlights, can create a piece that continues to draw you in – where you literately can’t stop looking”. With scratchboard, the power of the piece is achieved only through the use of black and white. The surprise, is if I take the time to capture the detail with effective technique, the results are powerful”. Steve is slowly exploring color on scratchboards and learning new and better ways to hone his craft. Steve Hammond earned his degree from the Colorado Institute of Art, in Advertising and Design. He is a Partner and the Creative Director of H2R, Harshman, Hammond and Rice. Steve is a native of Colorado, who is currently working and living in the Pacific Northwest.